Antidepressants?

Question

i always feel really low and suffered with depression throughout my teen age years.
ive finally made the decision that i need to do something about my state of mind as it effecting my everyday life and close relationships i have.
i know that anti depressants are an option and i am seriously considering them.
i just wanted a second opinion, ive heard a lot of stories about the negative effect they have on people who undergo this type of treatment.
if anyone has theyre own experiences with them or knows of an alternative root to take, i would be very greatful.

Answer 1

First of all, congrats on being ready to take the step to do something about you're depression! That's awesome! It took me a long time to get the courage to talk about mine.
Second, there are a lot of anti-depressants out there, and they all affect everyone differently. While it's good that all of these people are giving you their opinion on their medicine, it doesn't mean it's going to be right for you. So when you do go to the doctor, be sure you tell them everything that's bothering you, exactly how you've been feeling, so that they can decide which medicine to try. And just so you know, sometimes, it is trial and error. I was on a bunch of different meds before I found the one that is working for me.
Best of luck to you!!!

Answer 2

Well...I certainly know where you are coming from since I have been there myself.

If you are depressed...and maybe this website might help you decide if you really are: [www.med.nyu.edu/psych/screens/depres.html ]...you need to be seen by a competent professional and s/he should work through with you the options available to you. The medical literature strongly suggests that the best outcomes for depression occur with a combination of both antidepressants and verbal therapy. Depending on your health insurance coverage, that may mean a psychiatric social worker (MSW) or psychologist (Ph.D.) teamed with a psychiatrist (MD) for medical management, since only an MD can provide drugs.

Fifteen years ago, after a divorce and a career disaster, I plumetted deeper and deeper into a pit of depression--although I had been the kind of guy with a cloud following me around to begin with. I was seriously debating whether or not to end my life. I didn't. I went into therapy. I was placed on antidepressants. After about 30 days (it takes that long, sometimes, for the drug to work), I woke up one morning with a smile on my face and a desire to whistle--the first time I had been that cheerful in almost a year. It hasn't been all roses--I do have a tendency to relapse--but the antidepressants made all the difference. Like night and day.

I don't know how old you are, or where you live or what your insurance options may be...but you do need to be seen. Life can be good.

PS: St. John's Wort generally doesn't work...at least not for serious cases.

Answer 3

I have suffered from depression since childhood. Counseling is the way to go. It will teach you to change your negative thinking habits and give you the skills you need to enjoy life. You seem to have good insight into your condition, so you should do well with counseling. Medication should be a last resort and it does not sound like you need any. A doctor once started me on antidepressants and I had a terrible time with them. I disliked the way they made me dull and uninterested in anything in life. Some made me sleep all the time, some gave me nightmares, and getting off of them was like what I imagine a drug addict goes through in withdrawal. Doctors know very little about these drugs until their patients inform them. They only hear the good from the pharmaceutical companies.

Answer 4

there is nothing negitive about taking anti-depressants. some people experience side effects but that comes with the territory.meds are a wonderful thing to lift your spirit, put happiness in your heart and let you smile again.you will find you will want to enjoy the outdoors again and do things like it was the first time for you. dont be ashamed or embarrased about this im not and i have bi-polar and adhd i take meds daily and if i didnt i would be a basket case. you will find relief when you get the right combo in you. make an appt with a psychiatrist so you can get these meds he may suggest counceling if you need to talk to someone try it it may make you feel better getting things off your chest and remember meds and counceling arent forever good luck to you and feel better soon

Answer 5

certain, i take advantage of SAM-e, a organic antidepressant, it extremely helps me a lot, and has replaced my existence continually. I used to take Zoloft, yet I felt extra depressed each in certain situations, like i became compelled to be at liberty, yet now on SAM-e, i don't sense that way anymore. And this isn't a herm, or a hormone, this is only a molecule that all and dissimilar living cells produce, and it complements the right results of mood-boosting messengers like serotonin and dopamine. this is all organic, obviously a lot less poisonous than prescription, and extremely has made me a diverse individual in a thoroughly powerful way. I noticeably recommend it.

Answer 6

I had the same problem and finally went to my doctor. He told me I was suffering from anxiety which was causing my depression. I also told my doctor I wanted something with minimal side effects and didn't make me feel drugged. What he prescribed for me was great it took two weeks to get in my system then one day I just realized things weren't that bad and I felt pretty good. By the way he gave me buspirone. It is the greatest thing not to always be worried , upset or ready to just dissappear from the world.

Answer 7

I came to the same point as you. Thought to myself, "Hmm, maybe I'll try those anti-depressants" Trust me. Don't do it.
I'm not religious, but I will say that depression, difficulties or hardships are life's way of challenging you and making you stronger. Pills may seem to take care of that for you, but they just diffuse them temporarily and you lose your free will. You may even contemplate suicide. See a psychologist and make a definite decision to hack through your past, the repression of which caused the depression in the first place.

I spent 4 years on meds, and it took about as much time, off of them, to get to the point where things weren't so jumbled that I could MEET my obstacles. That said, I have been off of them for 4 years, and I am happy. Everything isn't exactly as I want it, but through consistent decisions, you begin to have confidence that things are working out and will work out over time.

Best of luck!

Answer 8

Try Paxil. It's wonderful for depression. It saved my life without a doubt.

Sure, there are some side effects, but they're no big deal and they subside and disappear in a couple weeks anyway.

Depression is a terrible condition. It needs to be treated. You're doing the right thing by standing up and looking for help. Good job and good luck to you. :)

Answer 9

the best thing you can do for yourself is visit a psychiatrist. a family doc... no matter how much you love him/her... has no business prescribing them. at least see the psychiatrist to get started. the specialize in mental health and know all about the vast array of psych drugs. and some mental illnesses are worsened by anti-depressants.
i had a hard time getting off anti-depressants. the withdrawl was HORRIBLE, it took me 13 weeks to feel normal, and that was after weaning off it for 4 weeks. But everyone is diff.
good luck.

Answer 10

This is a complex issue without a simple answer. I refer you to the Encylopedia of Natural Medicine and/or the Prescription for Natural Cures. Both books will tell you about depression and its causes and make suggestions about how it can be dealt with. They will also tell you when you need to stop trying to treat yourself and see a doctor experienced in treating this serious condtion.
Good luck and God bless!